Falcon 9 Shadow Launch

The
45th Space Wing oversaw the launch of the first Air Force-procured SpaceX
Falcon 9 rocket for a civil mission as a dry run ahead of the company's
national security launch certification. "On-ramping a new launch vehicle
provider is a major accomplishment and will help drive competition in the
launch market, with the goal of driving down access-to-space costs for the US
government," said Space and Missile Systems Center Commander Lt.
Gen. Sam Greaves in a release.
The launch of NASA and NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory from Cape
Canaveral AFS, Fla., Feb. 11, was not a formal DOD launch-certification
mission. Instead, SMC awarded the Falcon 9's purchase contract, coordinated
industry and agency cooperation, validated mission standards, and oversaw the
launch as a dress rehearsal for potential future SpaceX missions. The Air Force
plans to certify
the company as an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle provider by mid-year.